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January 27, 2016

Score a floating bonsai tree for your living room

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High Tree

The art of bonsai in Japan dates back to 6th century. It’s finally getting an update.

The new Kickstarter campaign for Air Bonsai adds some levity to the ancient art of growing and grooming miniature trees.

The Air Bonsai’s “energy base” conducts magnetic energy to float a small sphere from which an honest-to-god bonsai tree grows. The result is truly uncanny, reminiscent of legendary animator Hayao Miyazaki.

Or as the site of manufacturer Hoshinchu cryptically puts it, “Air Bonsai is a floating star. How would you like to plant your country’s very own bonsai and make a wish on that ‘little star’?”

Launched on Monday, the project has already raised more than $405,000 (easily blowing past its $80,000 goal).

The full Air Bonsai set costs $200 (cheaper alternatives are available) and are expected to be delivered by August. Also note that because of restrictions on the import of plants, American buyers will receive a different tree than the one shown.